Mining apparatus



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MINING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 20. 1961 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 INVENTOR, FAY E. MUNGEFQ) BYOWLg HTT United States Patent 3,269,776 MINING APPARATUS Fay E. Munger, Upper Arlington, Ohio, assignor to Jeffrey Galion Manufacturing Company, a corporation of Ohio Filed Dec. 20, 1961, Ser. No. 160,783 12 Claims. (Cl. 299-57) The instant invention relates to mining apparatus, and more particularly to a mining apparatus primarily intended for the mining of coal in low seams.

It is an object of the instant invention to provide an improved mining apparatus of low height, which is particularly suited for mining coal in low seams.

It is another object of the instant invention to provide an improved mining apparatus of low height and compact construction to facilitate the movement of the mining apparatus in the mine.

It is a further object of the instant invention to provide an improved mining apparatus, in which the mining mechanism operates to cut and break the material out of the mine seam, and also operates to deliver the mined material to a loading portion of the mining apparatus for removal of the mined material.

It is still another object of the instant invention to provide an improved mining apparatus including a bed plate therefor, which is disposed at the front of the apparatus for loading mined material.

It is still a further object of the instant invention to provide an improved mining apparatus comprising a bed plate at the front thereof, on which mined material is loaded, and including a forwardly extending, adjust-able mining mechanism and power means for adjusting the mining mechanism which is disposed between the bed plate and the mining mechanism supporting means.

Another object of the instant invention is to provide an improved mining apparatus comprising auger mining mechanisms, disposed one at each side of the mining apparatus, and a bed'plate extending forwardly between the auger mining mechanisms for loading the mined material, said auger mining mechanisms operating to deliver mined material onto the bed plate.

Still a further object of the instant invention is to provide an improved mining apparatus having a bed plate at the front thereof for loading mined material, and a conveyor operating across the bed plate to sweep the mined material from the bed plate and delivering the mined material at the rear of the mining apparatus for discharge.

It is still a further object of the instant invention to provide an improved mining apparatus comprising a mining mechanism adapted to be operated in a transverse direction through a mine seam, and a plow disposed adjacent the mining mechanism to follow the latter as it is moved through the mine seam to crowd the mined material onto a loading portion of the mining apparatus.

Other objects of the invention will appear hereinafter, the novel features and combinations being set forth in the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a mining apparatus constructed in accordance with the instant invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the mining apparatus of this invention;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, partial plan view of the mining apparatus, showing various details thereof;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the mining apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a transverse sectional view of the main gear case, showing the drive to one mining mechanism;

FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of a portion of the main gear case;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the main gear case, taken on the line 77 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a partial side elevational view of the front end of the mining apparatus;

FIG. 9 is a rear elevational view of the plow;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view through the main frame of the mining apparatus, showing the drive from the rear of the motor, taken on the line 1010' in FIG. 3;

FIG. 11 is a transverse sectional view of the main frame, showing the drive to one rope drum;

FIG. 12 shows a friction band and the operating mechanism therefor, taken on the line 12-12 in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of a portion of the mining apparatus, showing the rope drum and associated devices;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the conveyor drive, taken on the line 14-14 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 15 is a partial sectional view of the conveyor clutch, taken on the line 1515 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 16 is a partial plan view of the rear of the mining mechanism, and shows the drive to the pump; and

FIG. 17 is a sectional view showing the connection of the bridge conveyor to the mining apparatus, taken on the line 17--17 in FIG. 2.

Referring to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1 to 4, there is illustrated therein the mining apparatus constructed in accordance with the instant invention, and comprising a main frame 20 on which the various elements of the mining apparatus are operatively supported. Within the main frame 20 there is provided a motor 21 for operating the mining apparatus, and having its armature shaft longitudinally disposed, as will appear hereinafter. A main gear case or head 22 is secured to the front of the main frame 20 adjacent to the front of the motor 21. The main drive to the mining mechanisms is mounted within the gear case 22.

The motor armature shaft 23 extends forwardly from the motor 21 in a longitudinal direction, into the main gear case 22, as best seen in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7. A jaw clutch 24 is non-rotatably and slidaibly mounted on a drive shaft 25, and is engageable with clutch teeth 24', which are secured to the armature shaft 23, for operatively connecting the motor armature shaft 23 to the drive shaft. The jaw clutch 24 is operated by a pivotally mounted lever 26, which in turn is manipulated by a linkage including an operating rod 27, which extends to the control station 28 at the side of the mining apparatus. By engagement of the jaw clutch 24, the motor armature shaft 23 is connected to the drive shaft for operation of the drive means housed within the main gear case 22.

The drive shaft 25 is rotatably mounted within the main gear case 22 and has secured thereto a gear 29, which engages the gear 30 of a friction disc clutch 31, through which the power is delivered to the drive means housed within the main gear case 22. The friction disc clutch 31 provides overload protection for the drive means in the main gear case 22. The drive is delivered from the friction disc clutch 31 by a drive shaft 32 which drives a gear 33. The gear 33 is in engagement with a right gear train 34 and a left gear train 35, as viewed in FIG. 5, which are disposed at opposite sides of the gear 33, and extend in opposite lateral directions from the gear 33 to the right and left sides, respectively, of the main gear case 22.

The drives from the right and left gear trains 34, 35 are the same, and accordingly, it will be sufficient to describe only the drive at the right side of the main gear case 22, it being understood that the description is also applicable to the drive at the left side of the main gear case 22. The right gear train 34 drives a longitudinally extending shaft 36 that is rotatably supported within 3 the main gear case 22. The final gear 37 of the right gear train 34 is driven by the shaft 36.

A right supporting arm 40 extends laterally from the main gear case 22. At the left side of the mining apparatus there is provided a left supporting arm 41, as seen in FIG. 3, which is identical in all respects to the right supporting arm 40, except that the respective supporting arms 40, 41 are reversed, since they are disposed at opposite sides of the mining apparatus. Accordingly, the description will proceed with respect to the right supporting arm 40, it being understood that the description is applicable to the left supporting arm 41, as Well.

The right supporting arm 40 is formed with an integral, front hinge arm 42 and an integral, rear hinge arm 43, by which the supporting arm 40 is pivotally connected to the main gear case 22 on the axis of the longitudinally extending shaft 36. The front hinge arm 42 is pivotally connected to the main gear case 22, in part, on the shaft 36 and in part, by a bearing 44 mounted within a bore 45. The rear hinge arm 43 is pivotally connected to the main gear case 22 on a hinge pin 46, which is non-rotatably secured in place in the main gear case 22 by a pair of pins 47. Bearings 48 are secured between the rear hinge arm 43 and the hinge pin 47 to permit free pivotal movement of the rear hinge arm 43 on the hinge pin 46. The hinge pin 46 is disposed co-axially with the axis of the drive shaft 36, this being the axis on which the supporting arm is pivotally connected to the main gear case 22. At the side of the main gear case 22 there is formed an arcuate track 53, which is concentric with the axis of the longitudinally extending shaft 36, as seen in FIGS. 4 and 5. The supporting arm 40 is formed with a track follower 54 that is mated with the track 53. Longitudinal thrust which is applied to the supporting arm 40 is transmitted through the track follower 54 and the track 53 to the main gear case 22 and to the main frame 20.

Within the supporting arm 40 there is rotatably mounted an intermediate gear 49, which is driven by the final gear 37. The intermediate gear 49, in turn, drives the gear 50, which is fixedly secured to a shaft 51 rotatably mounted within the supporting arm 40. The forward end of the shaft 51 projects forwardly from the supporting arm 40 and is formed with a mounting flange 52.

The supporting arm 40 supports a mining mechanism in the form of a longitudinally extending auger 55, to which there is secured a mounting flange 56 that abuts the mounting flange '52, with the two being secured to each other by a plurality of bolts, or the like, whereby the auger 55 is rotated by the shaft 51. At the left side of the mining apparatus there is provided another mining mechanism comprising an auger 57, as seen in FIG. 1. The right and left augers 55, 57 are identical in all material respects, with the exception that they are oppositely formed. Thus, each of the augers 55, 57 is formed with helical flights 58, and these are formed in opposite directions on the respective augers 55, 57. When the augers 55, 57 are operating in a seam of material, the auger 55 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction and the auger 57 is rotated in a clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 4, and the material which is cut and broken out of the seam is removed from the seam by the helical flights 58, which move the mined material toward the main frame 20 of the mining apparatus. Each of the helical flights 58 is so directed that the mined material is advanced towards the main frame 20 of the mining apparatus and in towards the longitudinal center line thereof, as will be described in greater detail hereinafter. At regularly spaced intervals along the periphery of the helical flights 57 there is provided a plurality of radially directed cutting bits 59, and at the front of each of the augers 55, 57 there is provided a plurality of forwardly directed cutting bits 60, by which the material is cut and broken out of the mine seam.

The main frame 20 is formed with a forwardly extending bed plate 62, which is adapted to rest on the mine floor and support the front end of the mining apparatus. As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 8, the bed plate 62 extends forwardly and to the sides of the mining apparatus. The bed plate 62 also extends forwardly between the right and left augers 55, 57, as best seen in FIG. 1. The surface of the bed plate 62 forms a loading area for the mined material at the front of the mining apparatus. This loading area extends from one side of the main frame 20, around the front of the main frame 20, and to the other side of the main frame 20, and is formed as part of an orbital path for a conveyor 63, which sweeps the mined material from the loading area of the bed plate 62 to the rear of the mining apparatus, for discharge. The orbital conveyor path extends substantially around the perimeter of the main frame 20, whereby the area of the main frame 20 within the orbital path may be used for placement of the motor 21 and the drive system at the rear of the motor 21, as will be described in greater detail hereinafter. As best seen in FIG. 8, the conveyor 63 has an endless, universally linked chain 64, to which there are secured, at regularly spaced intervals, laterally extending conveyor flights 65, which are driven by the chain 64.

On the bed plate 62 there is provided a take-up shoe 66 which is adjustable, forwardly and rearwardly, by means of a bolt 67 abutting against a portion of the main gear case 22. The take-up shoe 66 is formed with a track 68, in which the chain 64 is guided in its travel over the loading area of the bed plate 62. In the main frame 20 there is provided a conveyor trough 69 extending from the bed plate 62 at one side of the mining apparatus, and substantially around the perimeter of the main frame 20 to the bed plate 62 at the other side of the mining apparatus. At each side of the mining apparatus the conveyor trough 69 extends in an upwardly inclined direction away from the loading area of the bed plate 62, to a horizontally disposed trough portion extending around the rear of the mining apparatus and adjacent the top thereof, as best seen in FIG. 2. The conveyor trough 69 is formed with a discharge opening 70 at the rear of the mining apparatus, through which the mined material is discharged.

As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the bed plate 62 extends laterally beyond the loading area thereof at each side of the mining apparatus, to provide bed plate extensions 72, 73 at the right and left sides, respectively. Connecting lugs 74, 75 are secured to the bed plate extensions 72, 73, respectively, and extend upwardly therefrom, as seen in FIG. 4. A cylinder and piston power device 76 has its cylinder end pivotally connected to the connecting lugs 74. A cylinder and piston power device 77 is similarly connected to the connecting lugs 75. The cylinder and piston power device 76 has its piston end pivotally connected to a connecting lug 78 formed on the rear of the right supporting arm 40, and the piston end of the cylinder and piston power device 77 is similarly connected to a connecting lug 79, formed on the rear of the left supporting arm 41. By operation of the cylinder and piston power devices 76, 77, the positions of the supporting arms 40, 41, respectively, may be adjusted upwardly and downwardly by pivoting the latter on the main gear case 22. In FIG. 4 the supporting arm 40 is shown in its lowermost position, in which the cylinder and piston power device 76 is fully contracted. In the same figure, the supporting arm 41 is shown in its uppermost position, in which the cylinder and piston power device 77 is fully extended.

The lines of action of the cylinder and piston power devices 76, 77 are disposed laterally beyond and outwardly of the axes on which the supporting arms 40, 41 are pivotally connected to the main gear case 22. The force due to the weight of the supporting arms 40, 41 and the augers 55, 57, is transmitted to the bed plate 62 directly through the cylinder and piston power devices 76, 77. Also, the forces applied for adjusting the positions of the supporting arms 40, 41 act between the bed plate 62 and the supporting arms 40, 41. Each of the cylinder and piston power devices 76, 77 is hydraulically operated and is double acting. The mining apparatus includes a hydraulic system which may be of a conventional type, for supplying hydraulic fluid under pressure to the cylinder and piston power devices 76, 77, for controlled operation of the latter, to adjust the positions of the supporting arms 40, 41 and the augers 55, 57 carried thereby.

Referring to FIG. 10, it is seen that the motor armature shaft 23 extends rearwardly from the motor 21 and has a gear 80 secured thereto. A gear 81 is driven by the gear 80 to rotate a worm shaft 82 that is rotatably supported within the main frame behind the motor 21. The worm shaft 82 is formed with a worm 82 that drives a worm wheel 83, which is disposed on an axis'that extends laterally of the main frame 20.

At each side of the worm wheel 83 there is provided a planetary gear system 84, as best seen in FIG. 11. The planetary gear systems 84 are identical, with the exception that they are oppositely disposed, and accordingly, the description will proceed with respect to the left side of the apparatus, it being understood that the description is equally applicable to the right side thereof. The worm wheel 83 has a driving connection to the planetary gear system 84 through a splined sleeve 85, by which the drive gear 86 is rotated. The drive gear 86 engages with a plurality of dual planet pinions 87 for operating the latter. The planet pinions 87 are rotatably supported by the cage 88. The dual planet pinions 87 mesh with an internal gear 89 and with an internal gear 90. The drive from the planetary gear system 84 is delivered from the internal gear 90 to a laterally extending shaft 91.

The planetary gear system 84 provides either a high speed drive or a low speed drive to the shaft 91. A high speed friction band 92 surrounds the periphery of the cage 88. A low speed friction band 93 surrounds the periphery of the internal gear 89. When both friction bands 92, 93 are released, the planetary gear system 84 operates idly and there is no drive delivered to the shaft 91. When the high speed friction band 92 is engaged with the cage 88, the latter is locked, and the high speed drive is delivered to the shaft 91. Upon release of the high speed friction band 92 and engagement of the low speed friction shaft 93 with the internal gear 89, the latter is locked, whereupon the low speed drive is delivered to the shaft 91.

Referring to FIG. 12, there is illustrated therein the low speed friction band 93, which is made in two parts pivotally connected to each other by a hinge 94. A coil spring 95 is placed between the free ends of the two parts of the friction band 93, and normally acts to maintain the friction band 93 in its released condition. A takeup block 96 is disposed at one side in engagement with one part of the friction band 93 and abutting a portion of the main frame 20, and is adjustable for setting the released position of the friction band 93. At the other side, there is provided a hydraulic cylinder and piston device 97, by which the friction band 93 is engaged with the internal gear 89, to lock the latter. The hydraulic cylinder and piston device 97 is single acting in opposition to the force of the coil spring 95 to tighten the friction band 93 on the internal gear 89. Upon venting the hydraulic cylinder and piston device 97, the friction band 93 is restored to its released position by the force of the coil spring 95. The friction band 92 is similarly constructed as the friction band 93 and operates in the same manner.

The shaft 91 delivers its drive to a gear train 98 which drives a shaft 99. The gears of the gear train 98 and the shaft 99 are rotatably supported within the main frame 20, with the shaft 99 extending laterally outwardly to the side of the main frame 20. A jaw clutch 100 is slidably and non-rotatably mounted on the projecting end of the shaft 99. By sliding the jaw clutch 100 inwardly on the shaft 99, it is engaged with the teeth 101 formed on the rope drum 102, whereby the drive from the shaft 99 is delivered to the rope drum 102, to rotate the latter. As best seen in FIG. 13, the clutch yoke 103 is pivotally connected to a crank 104, the pivotal movement of which causes the clutch 100 to slide along the shaft 99. A double acting hydraulic cylinder and piston device 105 is connected to the crank 104 to pivot the latter for engagement or disengagement of the clutch 100 with the rope drum 102. Another rope drum 106 of the same construction is provided at the opposite side of the mining apparatus, as seen in FIG. 3. The several hydraulic power devices, described in connection with the planetary gear systems 84 and the jaw clutches 100, are operated by the hydraulic system of the mining apparatus, and controlled from the control station 28.

The opposite rope drums 102, 106 may be operated together or singly, as may be desired, for moving the mining apparatus in a desired path. Each of the rope drums 102, 106 is driven in one direction only, to wind the rope on the drum, and when it is desired to pay out rope from the drum, this is done by free-wheeling of the drum. Each of the rope drums 102, 186 is provided with a brake 107 which is disposed in engagement with a flange thereof, as best seen in FIG. 13. The brake 107 is pressed into engagement with the rope drum by a spring-loaded cylinder 108 to prevent back lash of the rope and fast back spooling 0f the rope drum, by restraining the rotation of the brake drum.

At each side of the mining apparatus there is provided a leveling shoe 110, as best seen in FIG. 3. The leveling shoe 110 is pivotally connected to the main frame 20 on a longitudinally extending axis, by means of pivot pins 111. A hydraulic cylinder and piston power device 112 is disposed in a substantially upright position between each leveling shoe 110 and the main frame 20. The cylinder end of the cylinder and piston power device 112 is pivotally connected to the main frame 20 by a pivot pin 113, and the piston end thereof is pivotally connected to the leveling shoe 110 by a pivot pin 114. Thus by operation of the cylinder and piston power devices 112, the leveling shoes 110 may be raised or lowered, with respect to the main frame 20, to tilt the mining apparatus in a lateral direction to compensate for uneven floor conditions. A rope sheave 115 is rotatably mounted on each leveling shoe 110 under the main frame 20, and a second rope sheave 116 is rotatably mounted on each leveling shoe 110, near the outer edge of the leveling shoe 110. The rope from the rope drums 102, 106 may be trained around the rope sheaves 115, 116, at the respective sides of the mining apparatus, as seen in FIG. 3, with the free ends of the ropes being tied to anchors at opposite sides for moving the mining apparatus over the mine floor in a lateral direction.

At the rear of the mining apparatus there is provided a rear leveling shoe 117, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, which may be raised or lowered with respect to the main frame 20, to provide fore and aft compensation for uneven floor conditions. The rear leveling shoe 117 is provided with an upright post 118 at each side thereof, which is received within a box-like track 119 secured to the main frame 28, to permit the rear leveling shoe 117 to be moved upwardly and downwardly relative to the main frame 20. Within each upright post 118 there is provided a hydraulic cylinder and piston power device 120 connected between the rear leveling shoe 117 and the main frame 20. By extension of the hydraulic cylinder and piston power device 128, the rear leveling shoe 117 may be lowered, and by contraction of the hydraulic cylinder and piston power device 120, the rear leveling shoe 117 is raised, for tilting the mining mechanism in a fore and aft direction, accordingly.

At each side of the main frame 20, above the rear leveling shoe 117, there is provided a rope sheave 121 which is rotatably supported on the main frame 20. For sumping the augers 55, 57 into the mine seam, the ropes from the rope drums 102, 106 are trained about the respective rope sheaves 115, 116, and thence rearwardly around the respective rope sheaves 121. The ropes are then led from the rope sheaves 121 in a forwardly direction and anchored near the front of the mining apparatus. Then, as the rope is wound on the rope drums 102, 106, the mining apparatus is moved forwardly, with the augers 55, 57 being sumped into the mine face.

Referring to FIG. 14, there is illustrated therein the drive for the conveyor 63. A gear 125 is secured to the worm shaft 82 and engages with a gear 126 that drives a shaft 127, which is formed with a bevel pinion 128. The bevel pinion 128 meshes with oppositely disposed bevel gears 129, 130 to drive the latter. A shaft 131 is coaxially disposed with respect to the bevel gears 129, 130, and is mounted for rotation relatively thereto. A jaw clutch 132 is non-rotatably and slidably mounted on the shaft 131 and is engageable with either the bevel gear 129 or the bevel gear 130, for connecting either of these to the shaft 131 to rotate the latter in one direction or the other. As seen in FIG. 15, a clutch yoke 133 engages the clutch 132. The clutch yoke 133 is fixedly secured to a detent rod 134, which is slidable upwardly and downwardly and has three positions, as determined by engagement of the ball detent 135 with one or another of the detent grooves 136. A lever 137 is connected to the detent rod 134 for moving it upwardly and downwardly, and the lever 137 is keyed to a rod 138, by which the lever 137 may be operated to set the detent rod 134 in a selected position. The operating rod 138 extends outwardly to the side of the mining apparatus and has a handle 139 secured thereto, for manipulation.

A gear 140 is secured to the shaft 131, to be driven by the latter. The gear engages with a friction disc clutch 141, through which the drive is delivered to a shaft 142. The friction disc clutch 141 provides overload protection in the drive to the conveyor 63. The drive from the shaft 142 is delivered through a gear train 143 to an upright shaft 144, to the upper end of which there is secured a sprocket 145. The sprocket 145 engages with the links of the chain 64, as best seen in FIG. 3, to drive the conveyor 63. By selective operation of the clutch 132, the conveyor chain 64 may be driven in one or the other of opposite directions, or it may be maintained idle.

The mining apparatus includes a hydraulic system for operation of the various hydraulic devices described herein. The hydraulic system may be of the usual form customarily found in mining equipment. Referring to FIG. 16, it is seen that a bevel gear 122 engages the bevel gears 129, 130 and is driven by the latter. The bevel gear 122 is disposed on a laterally extending axis and is rotatably supported in the main frame 20. A coupling element 123 connects the bevel gear 122 to a hydraulic pump '124, for driving the latter to supply hydraulic fluid under pressure to the hydraulic system of the mining apparatus. The hydraulic pump 124 illustrated herein is a three-section pump, although it will be understood that other pump arrangements may be used. The various controls for the mining apparatus, including the controls for the hydraulic system, are collected at the operators station 28 in the customary manner to permit convenient operation of the various devices of the mining apparatus.

In the operation of the mining apparatus the augers 55, 57 are sumped into the mine seam by use of the ropes at the opposite sides of the mining apparatus. When the augers 55, 57 have been sumped into the mine seam to the desired depth the ropes at the opposite sides of the mining apparatus are reset, and the mining apparatus is then moved in a lateral direction to move the augers 55, 57 laterally through the mine seam, to remove the material from the mine seam. Thus, one of the augers 55, 57 will be leading and the other will be trailing. The height of the cut in the mine seam is determined by the vertical positions of the angers 55, 57. Thus, as viewed in FIG. 4, the mining apparatus would be moved through the mine seam from left to right, with the auger 57 leading, and the auger 55 trailing. The vertical height of the cut would be approximately equal to the sum of the diameters of the augers 55, 57, since the one auger 55 is in its lowermost position, and the other auger 57 is in its uppermost position. The minimum height of cut would be equal to the diameter of the augers 55, 57, in which case both of the augers 55, 57 would be positioned in their lowermost positions.

Adjacent each auger 55, 57 and disposed outwardly thereof, there is provided a longitudinally extending plow 146, as best seen in FIGS. 1 and 9. The plows 146 are supported by the respective supporting arms 40, 41, being attached thereto by tongue and groove means 147. The plow 146 comprises an outer plow portion 148 and an inner telescoping plow portion 149, as seen in FIG. 9. The outer plow portion 148 is longitudinally fixed to its respective supporting arm by the tongue and groove 147, and the inner telescoping plow portion 149 is longitudinally slidable with respect to the outer plow portion 148. A cylinder and piston power device 150 is mounted within the plow 146, with one end being secured to the outer plow portion 148, and the other end being secured to the inner telescoping plow portion 149. When the cylinder and piston power device 150 is contracted, the inner plow portion 149 is withdrawn within the outer plow portion 148. By extension of the cylinder and piston power device 150, the inner plow portion 149 is extended along the auger 57, as seen in FIG. 1.

Referring now to FIG. 4, it is seen wherein the plow 146 is adjustable with the supporting arm 40 or 41 to which it is secured. Thus, with the supporting arm 41 in elevated position, the plow 146 is similarly elevated, and with the auger 57 being in leading position, the plow 146 is contracted so as to be out of the path of operation of the auger 57. The supporting arm 40 is in its lowermost position, which causes the plow 146 attached thereto to rest on the floor, and it is noted that the tongue and groove 147 connecting the plow 146 to the supporting arm 40 permits relative sliding of the plow 146 upwardly with respect to the supporting arm 40, to permit the latter to be fully lowered without interference from the plow 146. The auger 55 being in trailing position, the plow 146 follows the operation of the auger 55, and accordingly, is extended to lie adjacent a substantial length of the auger 55. As the auger 55 is moved in a lateral direction, the plow 146 follows the auger 55, sweeping the mined material which has fallen on the mine floor. The plow 146 crowds the mined material into the helical flights 58 of the auger 55, and also crowds the mined material onto the loading area of the bed plate 62. Both the auger 55 and the plow 146 operate to deliver the mined material onto the loading area of the bed plate 62, the auger 55 providing a screw feed of the mined material, and the plow 146 operating to crowd the mined material into the helical flights 58 and onto the loading area of the bed plate 62.

The conveyor flights then sweep the mined material from the loading area of the bed plate 62 to the rear of the mining apparatus, for discharge of the mined material through the discharge opening 70. A bridge conveyor 151 may be attached to the rear of the mining apparatus, for receiving the mined material discharged therefrom, to deliver the same to a room conveyor 152, or other suitable means for removing the mined material. As seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 17, the bridge conveyor 151 may be connected to the mining apparatus by a connecting plate 153 that is :hingedly connected to the rear leveling shoe 117. An upright pin 154 extends through the connecting plate 153 and pivotally connects the bridge conveyor 151 to the connecting plate 153, to permit the bridge conveyor 151 to swing laterally with respect to the mining apparatus. As seen in FIG. 17, the upright pin 154 has a loose connection with the connecting plate 153 to provide compensation for uneven floor conditions.

The mining apparatus constructed in accordance with the instant invention provides a low height, compact piece of equipment, which is particularly suited for mining in low seams. As seen in FIG. 2, the highest parts of the mining apparatus are the angers 55, 57, the diameters of which determine the minimum height of the cut. Thus, there is provided ample clearance for the mining apparatus to be moved about in the mine seam after a cut has been made by the angers 55, 57. The angers 55, 57 are adjustable so that the mining apparatus is adapted for operation in mine seams of varying height. The mining apparatus further includes loading and conveying means for the mined material, whereby the latter is continuously discharged from the rear of the mining apparatus, permitting a cut to be made in the mine seam without interruption.

Obviously those skilled in the art may make various changes in the details and arrangement of parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims hereto appended, and applicant therefore wishes not to be restricted to the precise construction herein disclosed.

Having thus described and shown an embodiment of the invention, what it is desired to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. Mining apparatus comprising a main frame, said main frame being formed with a bed plate having portions thereof extending forwardly and laterally to the sides of said mining apparatus to form a loading area on the bed plate, said bed plate being disposed at the bottom of said main frame to be placed on a ground surface for loading mined material from the ground surface onto said loading area of the bed plate, a mining mechanism for cutting and breaking material out of a mine seam, said mining mechanism extending forwardly of said main frame for movement of the mining mechanism through the mine seam, means for supporting said mining mechanism on the main frame for operation, said supporting means including relatively adjustable elements for adjustment of the position of said mining mechanism, and power means for adjusting the position of said mining mechanism, said power means being disposed between the bed plate and the supporting means for said mining mechanism, and means for connecting said power means to said supporting means for said mining mechanism and to a part of said bed plate that is spaced from said loading area thereof and is disposed at a side of the mining apparatus.

2. Mining apparatus comprising a main frame, said main frame being formed with a bed plate having portions thereof extending forwardly and laterally to the sides of said mining apparatus to form a loading area at the front of the mining apparatus on the bed plate, said bed plate being disposed at the bottom of said main frame to be placed on a ground surface for loading mined material from the ground surface onto said loading area of the bed plate, a portion of said bed plate being disposed laterally beyond the loading area thereof, a mining mechanism for cutting and breaking material out of a mine seam, said mining mechanism extending forwardly of said main frame for movement of the mining mechanism through the mine seam, means for supporting said mining mechanism on the main frame for operation, said supporting means including relatively adjustable elements for adjustment of the position of said mining mechanism, and power means for adjusting the position of said mining mechanism, said power means being disposed between the bed plate and the supporting means for said mining mechanism, and means for connecting said power means to said supporting means for said mining mechanism and to said 10 portion of the bed plate which is disposed laterally beyond the loading area thereof.

3. Mining apparatus comprising a main frame, said main frame being formed with a bed plate having portions thereof extending forwardly and laterally to the sides of said mining apparatus to form a loading area on the bed plate, said bed plate 'being disposed at the bottom of said main frame to be placed on a ground surface for loading mined material from the ground surface onto said loading area of the bed plate, a mining mechanism for cutting and breaking material but of a mine seam, said mining mechanism extending forwardly of said main frame for movement of the mining mechanism through the mine seam, means for supporting said mining mechanism on the main frame for operation, said supporting means including relatively pivotable elements for adjustment of the position of said mining mechanism about a longitudinally extending axis, and power means for adjusting the position of said mining mechanism, said power means being disposed between the bed plate and the supporting means for said mining mechanism to operate in a lateral direction with respect to said longitudinally extending axis, and means for connecting said power means to said supporting means for said mining mechanism and to a part of said bed plate that is spaced from said loading area thereof and is disposed at a side of the mining apparatus.

4. Mining apparatus comprising a main frame, said main frame being formed with a bed plate having portions thereof extending forwardly and laterally to the sides of said mining apparatus to form a loading area at the front of the mining apparatus on the bed plate, said bed plate being disposed at the bottom of said main frame to be placed on a ground surface for loading mined material from the ground surface onto said loading area of the bed plate, a portion of the bed plate being disposed laterally beyond the loading area thereof, a mining mechanism for cutting and breaking material out of a mine seam, said mining mechanism extending forwardly of said main frame for movement of the mining mechanism through the mine seam, means for supporting said mining mechanism on the main frame for operation, said supporting means including relatively adjustable elements for adjustment of the position of said mining mechanism, power means for adjusting the position of said mining mechanism, said power means being disposed between the bed plate and the supporting means for said mining mechanism, and means for connecting said power means to said supporting means for said mining mechanism and to said portion of the bed plate which is disposed laterally beyond the loading area thereof, and conveying means traversing the loading area of the bed plate to remove mined material therefrom.

5. Mining apparatus comprising a main frame, said main frame being formed with a bed plate having portions thereof extending forwardly and laterally to the sides of said mining apparatus to form a loading area on the bed plate, said bed plate being disposed at the bottom of said main frame to be placed on a ground surface for loading mined material from the ground surface onto said loading area of the bed plate, a mining mechanism at each side of the mining apparatus for cutting and breaking material out of a mine seam, said mining mechanisms extending forwardly of the main frame for movement of the mining mechanisms through a mine seam, a supporting head for said mining mechanisms including means for operating said mining mechanisms, a supporting arm for each mining mechanism, the supporting arms for the respective mining mechanisms extending in opposite lateral directions from the mining head, means for adjustably connecting each supporting arm to the mining head for adjustment of the positions of said mining mechanisms, and a power means for adjusting the position of each supporting arm and its mining mechanism, each said power means being disposed between the bed plate and the supporting arm, and means for connectingeach power means to a supporting arm for the mining mechanism and to a part of said bed plate that is spaced from said loading area thereof and is disposed at a side on the mining apparatus.

6. Mining apparatus comprising a main frame, said main frame being formed with a bed plate having portions thereof extending forwardly and laterally to the sides of said mining apparatus to form a loading area on the bed plate, said bed plate being disposed at the bottom of said main frame to be placed on a ground surface for loading mined material from the ground surface onto said loading area of the bed plate, a mining mechanism at each side of the mining apparatus for cutting and breaking material out of a mine seam, said mining mechanisms extending forwardly of said main frame for movement of the mining mechanisms through a mine seam, a portion of said loading area of said bed plate being disposed between said mining mechanisms, said mining mechanisms including means to deliver mined material to the loading area of the bed plate, means for supporting said mining mechanisms on the main frame for operation, said supporting means including relatively adjustable elements for adjustment of the positions of said mining mechanisms, and a power means for each mining mechanism for adjusting the position thereof, each said power means being disposed between the bed plate and a supporting means for a mining mechanism, and means for connecting each said power means to a supporting means for a mining mechanism and to a part of said bed plate that is spaced from said loading area thereof and is disposed at a side of the mining apparatus.

7. Mining apparatus comprising a main frame, said main frame being formed with a bed plate having portions thereof extending forwardly and laterally to the sides of said mining apparatus to form a loading area on the bed plate, said bed plate being disposed at the bottom of said main frame to be placed on a ground surface for loading mined material from the ground surface onto said loading area of the bed plate, a mining mechanism at each side of the mining apparatus for cutting and breaking material out of mine seam, said mining mechanisms extending forwardly of said main frame for movement of the mining mechanisms through the mine seam, means for supporting said mining mechanisms on the main frame for operation, said supporting means including relatively pivotable elements for adjustment of the positions of said mining mechanisms, a cylinder and piston power means for each mining mechanism for adjusting the position thereof, each said cylinder and piston power means being disposed between the bed plate and the supporting means for a mining mechanism, and means for connecting each said cylinder and piston power means to a pivotable element of said supporting means and to a part of said bed plate that is spaced from said loading area thereof and is disposed at a side of the mining apparatus.

8. Mining apparatus comprising a main frame, said main frame being formed with a bed plate having portions thereof extending forwardly and laterally to the sides of said mining apparatus to form a loading area on the bed plate, said bed plate being disposed at the bottom of said main frame to be placed on a ground surface for loading mined material from the ground surface onto said loading area of the bed plate, a mining mechanism at each side of the mining apparatus for cutting and breaking material out of a mine seam, said mining mechanisms extending forwardly of said main frame for movement of the mining mechanisms through a mine seam, a portion of said loading area of said bed plate extending forwardly between said mining mechanisms, said mining mecha nisms including means to deliver mined material to the loading area of the bed plate, means for supporting said mining mechanisms on the main frame for operation, said supporting means including relatively adjustable elements for adjustment of the positions of said mining mechanisms, a power means for each mining mechanism for adjusting the position of the mining mechanisms, each said power means being disposed between the bed plate and the supporting means for said mining mechanisms, means for connecting each said power means to said supporting means for said mining mechanism and to a part of said bed plate that is spaced from said loading area thereof and is disposed at a side of the mining apparatus, a conveyor having an orbital path of operation extending substantially around the perimeter of the main frame, a portion of said orbital conveyor path extending over the bed plate to sweep mined material from the loading area of the bed plate, and said conveyor including a discharge at the rear of the mining machine for discharging the mined material.

9. Mining apparatus comprising a main frame, said main frame being formed with a bed plate having portions thereof extending forwardly and laterally to the sides of said mining apparatus to form a loading area on the bed plate, said bed plate being disposed at the bottom of said main frame to be placed on a ground surface for loading mined material from the ground surface onto said loading area of the bed plate, a mining mechanism for cutting and breaking material out of a mine seam, said mining mechanism extending forwardly of said main frame for movement of the mining mechanism through a mine seam, said mining mechanism including means for delivering mined material to said loading area of the bed plate, a plow disposed adjacent the mining mechanism for crowding mined material onto said loading area of the bed plate, means for supporting said mining mechanism on the main frame for operation, said supporting means including relatively adjustable elements for adjustment of the position of said mining mechanism, and power means for adjusting the position of said mining mechanism, said power means being disposed between the bed plate and the supporting means for said mining mechanism, and means for connecting said power means to said supporting means for said mining mechanism and to a part of said bed plate that is spaced from said loading area thereof and is disposed at a side of the mining apparatus.

10. Mining apparatus comprising a main frame, said main frame being formed with a bed plate having portions thereof extending forwardly and laterally to the sides of said mining apparatus to form a loading area on the bed plate, said bed plate being disposed at the bottom of said main frame to be placed on a ground surface for loading mined material from the ground surface onto said loading area of the bed plate, a mining mechanism for cutting and breaking material out of -a mine seam, said mining mechanism comprising an auger extending forwardly of said main frame for movement of the mining mechanism through a mine seam, said auger being formed with a helical flight to deliver mined material to said loading area of the bed plate, a plow disposed at the side of and adjacent the mining mechanism to crowd mined material into the helical flight thereof and onto said loading area of the bed plate, said plow being adjustable for extension along the mining mechanism, means for supporting said mining mechanism on the main frame for operation, said supporting means including relatively adjustable elements for adjustment of the position of said mining mechanism, and power means for adjusting the position of said mining mechanism, said power means being disposed between the bed plate and the supporting means for said mining mechanism, and means for connecting said power means to said supporting means for said mining mechanism and to a part of said bed plate that is spaced from said loading area thereof and is disposed at a side of the mining apparatus.

11. Mining apparatus comprising a main frame, said main frame being formed with a bed plate having portions thereof extending forwardly and laterally to the sides of said mining apparatus to form a loading area on the bed plate, said bed plate being disposed at the bottom of said main frame to be placed on a ground surface for loading mined material from the ground surface onto said loading area of the bed plate, a mining mechanism for cutting and breaking material out of a mine seam, said mining mechanism extending forwardly of said main frame for movement of the mining mechanism through a mine seam, a main gear case on said main frame, a support arm for said mining mechanism, adjustable elements connecting said support arm to the main gear case for adjustment of the position of said mining mechanism, drive means in said main gear case and driving elements in said support arm connecting to said drive means for operation of the mining mechanism, and power means for adjusting the position of said mining mechanism, said power means being disposed between the bed plate and the support arm, and means for connecting said power means to said support arm and to a part of said bed plate that is spaced from said loading area thereof and is disposed at a side of the mining apparatus.

12. Mining apparatus comprising a main frame, said main frame being formed with a bed plate having portions thereof extending forwardly and laterally to the sides of said mining apparatus to form a loading area on the bed plate, said bed plate being disposed at the bottom of said main frame to be placed on a ground surface for loading mined material from the ground surface onto said loading area of the bed plate, a mining mechanism for cutting and breaking material out of a mine seam, said mining mechanism extending forwardly of said main frame for movement through a mine seam, a main gear case on said main frame, a support arm for said mining mechanism, relatively pivotable elements connecting the support arm to the main gear case for pivotal movement of the support arm to adjust the position of said mining mechanism, said support arm extending laterally outwardly from said main gear case, drive means in said main gear case and drive elements in said support arm connecting to said drive means for ope-ration of the mining mechanism, and power means for adjusting the support arm and the position of the mining mechanism, said power means being disposed between the bed plate and the support arm and being connected to the support arm at a point disposed laterally outwardly of the pivotal connection of the support arm to the main gear case, and means for connecting said power means to a part of said bed plate that is spaced from said loading area thereof and is disposed at a side of the mining apparatus.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,160,660 11/1915 Secrist 29947 1,200,941 10/1916 Hess 299-49 1,336,440 4/1920 OToole 299-42 2,261,160 11/1941 Joy 299--64 2,740,618 4/ 1956 Snyder et al 29957 2,967,701 1/1961 Wilcox 29918 2,979,319 4/ 1961 Anderson 299-64 3,066,924 12/1962 Queer 299-68 3,136,535 6/1964 Lanfermann 299-45 3,190,697 6/1965 Gonski 29971 X ERNEST R. PURSER, Primary Examiner.

BENJAMIN HERSH, CHARLES E. OCONNELL,

Examiners. 

1. MINING APPARATUS COMPRISING A MAIN FRAME, SAID MAIN FRAME BEING FORMED WITH A BED PLATE HAVING PORTIONS THEREOF EXTENDING FORWARDLY AND LATERALLY TO THE SIDES OF SAID MINING APPARATUS TO FORM A LOADING AREA ON THE BED PLATE, SAID BED PLATE BEING DISPOSED AT THE BOTTOM OF SAID MAIN FRAME TO BE PLACED ON A GROUND SURFACE FOR LOADING MINED MATERIAL FROM THE GROUND SURFACE ONTO SAID LOADING AREA OF THE BED PLATE, A MINING MECHANISM FOR CUTTING AND BREAKING MATERIAL OUT OF A MINE SEAM, SAID MINING MECHANISM EXTENDING FORWARDLY OF SAID MAIN FRAME FOR MOVEMENT OF THE MINING MECHANISM THROUGH THE MINE SEAM, MEANS FOR SUPPORTING SAID MINING MECHANISM ON THE MAIN FRAME FOR OPERATION, SAID SUPPORTING MEANS INCLUDING RELATIVELY ADJUSTABLE ELEMENTS FOR ADJUSTMENT OF THE POSITION OF SAID MINING MECHANISM, AND POWER MEANS FOR ADJUSTING THE POSITION OF SAID MINING MECHANISM, SAID POWER MEANS BEING DISPOSED BETWEEN THE BED PLATE AND THE SUPPORTING MEANS FOR SAID MINING MECHANISM, AND MEANS FOR CONNECTING SAID POWER MEANS TO SAID SUPPORTING MEANS FOR SAID MINING MECHANISM AND TO A PART OF SAID BED PLATE THAT IS SPACED FROM SAID LOADING AREA THEREOF AND IS DISPOSED AT A SIDE OF THE MINING APPARATUS. 